A delightful tale inspired by the true story of a brave goat war hero. Perfect for fans of Finding Winnie and Rescue and Jessica.
During World War I, a goat named Billy was adopted by a platoon of soldiers and made his way across the ocean to be part of the war effort.
Billy . . .
Trained with the soldiers
Was smuggled across the ocean
Got snuck into the frontlines in a box of oranges
Ate some secret documents and was arrested for treason
Got trench foot
Head-butted soldiers into a trench and saved them from a shell
Came back home a decorated war hero
This charming true story follows Sergeant Billy from his small prairie town to the trenches of World War I and back, through harrowing moments, sad moments, moments of camaraderie and moments of celebration. This unforgettable goat and the platoon that loved him will capture your heart!
WINNER
| 2021 Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award
WINNER
| 2021 Rocky Mountain Book Award
WINNER
| 2020 Christopher Book Awards
HONOR
| 2020 Comstock Read Aloud Book Award
AWARD
| 2020 Shining Willow Award
“Messier’s smooth, well-paced text and Reich’s muted gouache illustrations. . . . [i]maginatively conveys the drudgery—if not the sheer terror—of war to a young audience.” --Kirkus Reviews
“Messier takes young readers beyond the mud and blood of World War I with her rollicking humanizing tale of a goat and the soldiers who cared for it. Illustrator Kass Reich expertly captures the tone of Messier’s words with her delightful illustrations. . . . Highly recommended.” --CM Magazine
A delightful tale inspired by the true story of a brave goat war hero. Perfect for fans of Finding Winnie and Rescue and Jessica.
During World War I, a goat named Billy was adopted by a platoon of soldiers and made his way across the ocean to be part of the war effort.
Billy . . .
Trained with the soldiers
Was smuggled across the ocean
Got snuck into the frontlines in a box of oranges
Ate some secret documents and was arrested for treason
Got trench foot
Head-butted soldiers into a trench and saved them from a shell
Came back home a decorated war hero
This charming true story follows Sergeant Billy from his small prairie town to the trenches of World War I and back, through harrowing moments, sad moments, moments of camaraderie and moments of celebration. This unforgettable goat and the platoon that loved him will capture your heart!
Awards
WINNER
| 2021 Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award
WINNER
| 2021 Rocky Mountain Book Award
WINNER
| 2020 Christopher Book Awards
HONOR
| 2020 Comstock Read Aloud Book Award
AWARD
| 2020 Shining Willow Award
Praise
“Messier’s smooth, well-paced text and Reich’s muted gouache illustrations. . . . [i]maginatively conveys the drudgery—if not the sheer terror—of war to a young audience.” --Kirkus Reviews
“Messier takes young readers beyond the mud and blood of World War I with her rollicking humanizing tale of a goat and the soldiers who cared for it. Illustrator Kass Reich expertly captures the tone of Messier’s words with her delightful illustrations. . . . Highly recommended.” --CM Magazine
